Mulan II: A Rare Case
Is this one actually better than the first???
Before you take the stance that no sequel is ever better than the original, consider this: Shang dies. Now that you’ve thought about this, I have to tell you that the audience only thinks that Shang is dead for part of the movie. But is that not an incredible plot twist? Disney is not usually one to employ a major character death for emotion in its movies, but that’s all the more reason why “Mulan II” is better than the original.
In addition to intriguing plot elements, the movie’s new characters are likable and funny and the soundtrack just gets better and better. Though, there is one thing. That one part where Mulan is downgraded to sidekick and she doesn’t protest at all. There’s also that part where Shang thinks the emperor’s daughters should agree to an arranged marriage. Now that I think about it, is “Mulan II” really better than “Mulan”? The answer to this question lies on two sides of the same coin.
The sequel starts off strong with Mulan teaching village kids about strength in balance. However, things go downhill from there. The movie focuses on listening to your heart, but I guess Mulan’s heart wasn’t telling her to stand up for herself. When the emperor assigns her and Shang to transport his three daughters to another country, she is relegated to a helping hand even though she literally saved China and she has nothing to say about it. She does, however, protest the arranged marriage the daughters are being sent off to, even though that’s clearly Disney trying to send the message that Mulan is still a strong, independent woman. The other part of the movie that puts it below the original is the issue of Shang being alright with the arranged marriage. At one point in the movie, Mulan and Shang get into an argument and finally agree that they are too different to marry each other, and I would agree. However, they still end up together despite the major differences in their morals. The continuation of their relationship is unrealistic and unhealthy.
On the flip side, the fact that they still get married means that they were able to work through their differences. Shang was able to see Mulan’s perspective and they both work together to deepen their relationship. The movie also sends a very important message. Although the princesses have to fulfill their duty to their country, it’s crucial that they balance that responsibility with their duty to their heart. “Mulan II” conveys a message of balance and of the significance of understanding one another’s perspective. The movie has moments of lightheartedness scattered throughout, and Mushu always provides comedic relief in the best way possible. It’s also important to keep in mind that Mulan didn’t want to go to war. She did it to save her father and to try to break out of the mold that her society had created for her. Mulan also helps the princesses have their individual breakthroughs relating to their duties vs their hearts.
“Mulan II” is better than “Mulan”… in some ways. They each have their highs and lows. When you weigh them against each other, Disney did a better job in “Mulan” of enforcing Mulan’s strong and determined character. In “Mulan II”, she took a bit of a back seat. However, in “Mulan II”, the lesson is just as important as the original movie’s lesson. In reality, they are better together than they are separate. Both movies are undoubtedly crucial for young viewers to see and understand.
